Further protests to be held on Portland against migrant barge
Campaigners say refugees are welcome, but don't want the facility here
Protests will take place in Dorset later today (Saturday 8th July) against plans to house 500 asylum seekers onboard the Bibby Stockholm barge.
It's arrival in Portland is imminent as the government looks to save cash on hotel bills.
Stand Up To Racism Dorset says the barge is completely inadequate and is worried about the healthcare provision required to meet the needs of those onboard.
Campaigner Lynne Hubbard says NHS funding is vital for both the refugees and the people of Portland:
“We want our demonstration to be an alternative for all those who want to show that refugees should be welcome, and want to unite against racism and division.
“Comments such as ‘stop the invasion’ and ‘use the Portland incinerator for the immigrants’ have appeared on social media, encouraging hatred and scapegoating.
“We want to stop the run-down of Portland Hospital - so that refugees on the barge and all the people of Portland have effective health services. It’s in the interests of everyone to have a functioning hospital on the Island."
Reassurance from health bosses
Campaigners fear the facility will put pressure on already ‘strained’ health services.
There's only one hospital with beds for Weymouth and Portland and the Minor Injuries Unit is repeatedly closed.
NHS Dorset's Chief Medical Officer, Paul Johnson says there will be extra resources:
"We've protected parts of our health service, especially the GP practice on Portland, so they can continue to focus on meeting the need of the population, and then we can bring in expertise from elsewhere in the county to make sure that we meet the needs of the people on the barge.
"The fact that we're getting other people to come and work in the area, particularly for the barge, makes me much more confident that it won't be any worse than it already is.
Today's demonstration will form up at Portland Port from 11.00am, and march to Portland Community Hospital.
The organisers are also keen to stress that refugees are welcome in Dorset, but that this particular set-up is not suitable.
Stand Up To Racism Dorset says many people have come forward in Weymouth and Portland to support refugees who may be housed on the Bibby Stockholm, with Dorset Refugee Solidarity arranging legal advice, help with English language, sports activities, and social events.
Lynne Hubbard from the group said:
“We have fine local traditions of community action to help those in need. Let’s stand together rather than blame the refugees – victims of war and conflict. Racism gets us nowhere – it weakens our communities and everyone suffers."